Empress : Kaiserin: Schertz - Enchanted Spring Ranch - San Antonio

Sonntag, Dezember 16, 2007

Schertz - Enchanted Spring Ranch - San Antonio - Austin

Intended to wake up around 7 (hotel breakfast was from 6 to 10.30am), but was awakened way earlier by ST who was an even early riser. It paid off though, to lose some extra sleep for a breathtaking sunrise from our window; I wasn't there for the full treat though; the horizon was already in its glowing orange hues when I drew the curtains back.

Nevertheless, still a beauty.

I decided to have a morning bath and pack while ST went down to the hotel lobby for breakfast. I was tv-ing when she returned, encouraging me to take some breakfast. I had decided to just perhaps have a hot drink, but I ended up getting two servings of meat patties with mustard. The patty was really tasty and tender, but it was actually the mustard that made me goe for seconds, lol. Their hot chocolate was yummy too. So rich! I can't remember clearly now, but I drank about 2-3 cups. Ha, my first proper breakfast in Texas ho~~

We left the hotel after 11am. Uncle drove back to the ranch area (which we were at last evening). It was just one long straight stretch of road... Uncle had to stop and ask for directions several times. We were definitely having trouble locating the ranch (where Uncle had planned for us to visit).

We drove to what was clearly the end of that stretch of highway, and ended up in a beautiful (and rather secluded) town. A river runs along the edge of the town, and the surroundings looked so enveloped in nature, quiet and peaceful.

Random town pic

Seems like dear Uncle was ready to give up and head for home, BUT we eventually found the ranch after all - and that's after around an hour of driving aimlessly? The ranch's entrance... was really not ehm... very obvious. The name's "Enchanted Spring Ranch". Once again, though the sun was shining strongly, it was still cold. However, I decided to leave my coat in the car and put on an extra pullover (which I brought along coz I was prepared for it) in place of my precioussssss coat. We had three guides to show us (and a couple of other American visitors) around on a wagon.

The slow wagon journey was very very bumpy. Haha... I wasn't surprised when one of the guides warned us we might fall off the wagon from our seats solely due to its tremendous rocking.

We made two stops along this 15 minutes ride. And all the wildlife around us. Not something I've expected. Zettai omoshiroi.

First stop, to feed the fishes here. The fishes were totally gigantic whoa. However I was more attracted to the surroundings here. A tranquil another world.

And then came along a llama!! And I happen to like llamas~~~

Second stop. Basically there was this swing that was filmed in a very famous scene from a past movie. I can't remember what was the film title mentioned, but it doesn't mean a lot to me, meh. But the surrounding is still very pretty.

Our wagon, and one of the guides

Then the return journey, which we passed by many other animals...

This is actually one of the guides' dog, lol :)

Deers...

A REINDEER!! The feeling was delightful, coz it was so close to Christmas then? This was my best shot; the reindeer was running so fast after its counterpart I had no time to change my cam to iso mode ahaha

The second part of the tour was based in this "cowboy town". The guides said it was frequently used as a film set. Meanwhile, some animals (eg. bulls, cows, goats, etc...) were also reared along the cowboy town.

Remember the llamas? (actually there were two; I only took a photo of one previously). They managed to follow the scent of food (there were some on the wagon) all the way here! Ha, cute!

Then, meet the bull family

This is one good lookin' Highland laddie!!! I've always loooooved Highland cows; this is the first time I see them with my own eyes...

Quite a cute lad isn't he? *marry me!!!!!!* (lol)

Look at his feet!! *___* (pic below)

Wandering around the cowboy town...

I can't remember what time we left the ranch, but by then it was pretty warm. Still cloudless skies, but the sun... gosh... the sun was merciless. It was another hour's ride back to San Antonio for lunch, and it was that the sun was shining where I was sitting, totally roasting me.

Lunch was at Panda Express, and it was a treat from ST and me - coz it was gonna be the last outside-meal with Uncle's family, so showing some gratitude for their hospitality for these two weeks. The heat was almost unbearable.

Then another 2-3 hour on the road as we head back to Austin. Uncle decided not to stop at the two "Outlets" as planned, coz the kids were all worn out. However we did not go straight home. I was tired too so I slept in the car - when I woke up it was all dark, and the car was parking at "HEB" (supermarket). Rather surprised I didn't come to wake up to see the house's garage lol. Oh yes, and I was suddenly hit by a terrible dry cough. o___O Shit.

Yep, after dark and it was all freezing again. Spent another two hours in the supermarket - my basket was full of drinking chocolates and milk-favouring straws. Decided to bring some back for friends since I've tried them and they were really yummy. At the counter the cashier was teasing me: "All chocolate?" I sheepishly said "ya, ahaha..." to him. Geeez... Rather embarrassing, but I'll save the trouble explaining that those were not for me... Nyaa~

At night I started my packing. Tomorrow was a stay-home day coz Uncle will be back to work, and then the morning after tomorrow ST and me will be on our way to the airport.